Growing Pains

6 Times I Realized I Was Actually Becoming a Grown Up

We’ve all heard that before. For me, it used to be a lawyer, an actress, a writer. And now? All I want is to be is in bed by 10 PM with laundry done and dinner ready.

I remember being 18, feeling so grown paying for my own phone bill and opening a bank account for the first time, walking around like I knew everything and owned the place. It’s cringe-worthy – thank God that phase is over.

Last month was 25th birthday, and boy, do I miss being 18. I caught myself scrubbing pots and pans the other night, feeling strangely satisfied in how shiny they looked after I was done. Then it hit me. I’m an adult. This was the most exciting part of my day. Scrubbing off a scorched, stainless steel pan.

Gone are the days of staying up late, partying, bar hopping…. getting into mischief. Now, I’m home by 8 PM and in bed by 10 PM. I love canceling plans and spending a quiet evening to myself. I watch the news before bed, catch up on my reading, and then it’s lights out. Start the morning off with a jog before enjoying my coffee black, no cream, no sugar. Aside from getting excited over sales and staying caffeinated, below are 6 times I realize, this is it. This is adulthood. It’s finally here. I made it. And there’s no going back.

1. Getting Excited To Try Out New Kitchenware

I bought a juicer recently and couldn’t wait to get home and try it. I also enjoy grocery shopping. And the sales! End of season clearance? Catch me waiting outside with coupons ready in hand.

2. Owning Up to My Mistakes

It takes a lot of guts to admit you were wrong. The secret is to learn from such mistakes. A real adult takes responsibility for one’s actions.

3. Not Paying Attention to Petty Shit

If it doesn’t involve me personally and doesn’t pay my bills, then I don’t care. Simple as that. I don’t care who it is or how strong the tea is. Don’t have time. NEXT!

4. Enjoying Time Alone

Time is a luxury. And solitude is sweet. Putting these two together? Heavenly. I have no problem ordering a large pizza for myself after indulging in a bubble bath at the end of a long day. And the best thing? Leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

5. Ballin’ on a Budget

Being conscious of how much you’re spending daily. Checking the price tag and thinking to yourself, “9 dollars for shampoo? No thanks.” *Puts back on shelf* *Looks for a better option with same quality*

6. Being Healthy Conscience

Remember when you were a teenager and you ate fast food every day for lunch and never gained weight? Well, that was short-lived. Now I eat a cookie for dessert and I’d feel bloated the entire day. Opting for healthier choices and organic meals have now been implemented into my eating habits. I don’t want to waste 500 calories on a slice of cheesecake. I’ll save that for a nice ribeye steak, thank you very much.

And that folks, is all. Below is a picture that perfectly describes adulthood in my humble opinion.